PTI Secretary-General Omar Ayub Denies Involvement in May 9 Protests

In a recent development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary-General Omar Ayub has strongly refuted allegations linking his party to the violent protests that erupted on May 9. Ayub has called for a thorough judicial inquiry into the widespread riots that followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Ayub, who also leads the opposition in parliament, highlighted the severe economic losses incurred as a result of the violence that ensued after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007. He emphasized that the country suffered approximately $2 billion in damages, with significant destruction to trains, locomotives, and railway stations, particularly in Karachi where losses amounted to Rs80 to Rs90 billion in just a few days.

Questioning the lack of accountability for the 2007 violence, Ayub pointed out the disparity between the damages caused and the absence of arrests or investigations. Drawing parallels to the $1.8 billion worth of damages during protests in France in 2023, Ayub underscored that the events of May 9 were a pretext, with the real target being Imran Khan. He criticized the crackdown on PTI members following Khan's arrest, expressing concern over the disappearance of crucial evidence, including CCTV footage, which has hindered the pursuit of justice.

Recent statements from the Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry have emphasized the importance of holding the perpetrators and facilitators of the May 9 riots accountable to maintain the integrity of the country's justice system. Chaudhry stressed that the issue goes beyond the military, affecting the entire nation, and called for those involved in the violent protests to apologize and renounce the politics of chaos before engaging in any dialogue.

The situation surrounding the May 9 protests continues to unfold, with conflicting narratives and calls for accountability. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the violence, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize transparency, justice, and peaceful dialogue to prevent further escalation of tensions. The need for a comprehensive investigation and adherence to the rule of law remains paramount in ensuring a stable and secure future for Pakistan.